The Brooklyn
of Belgrade is
Savamala.

The case for Savamala

Savamala is the coolest neighborhood in Belgrade for DRIP specialty coffee, Karađorđeva warehouse bars that open past midnight, and skate-streetwear at TONBE.

Savamala is where Belgrade's creative energy landed after the warehouses emptied out. Old riverside buildings on Karađorđeva became bars, galleries, and restaurants that don't open until the rest of the city is asleep. The Sava River runs alongside it all. Things get loud on weekends, and nobody apologizes for it.

Inside an 1884 warehouse on Braće Krsmanović, KC GRAD stages approximately 200 music events a year, filling Savamala's nights with independent artists from Serbia, the region, and the world.
Close contenders

Other cool neighborhoods in Belgrade.

Dorćol

Dorćol is the old quarter that figured itself out. Great coffee, quiet cobblestone mornings, and some of the best craft beer bars in the Balkans along Strahinjića Bana.

Vračar

Vračar is where Belgraders actually live. The neighborhood around the massive St. Sava Temple is all leafy streets, bakeries selling burek at 7am, and serious espresso culture.

Skadarlija

Skadarlija is Belgrade's answer to Montmartre. Cobblestoned, full of traditional restaurants with live music. Touristy, sure, but the ćevapi at midnight still hits.

See the full shortlist, ranked →
Three sides of the neighborhood

Where to go in Savamala.

All 23 spots mapped out

Savamala, corner to corner.

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Our 23 top picks

The Savamala guide.

Practical info

Good to know.

The boring numbers that decide whether you stay three days or four.

CurrencyRSD
LanguageSerbian
Cost level $$Moderate
Best monthsMay, June and September
Local time UTC+2
Plug type EU plug · 230V/50Hz
Emergency192 police, 194 ambulance, 112 also works
Local tip
Savamala's real nightlife doesn't start until 1am. Eat late, show up later, and don't plan on sleeping before dawn.
Europe · Serbia

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Common questions

Things to know about Savamala.

What is the Brooklyn of Belgrade?
The Brooklyn of Belgrade is Savamala. Savamala is where Belgrade's creative energy landed after the warehouses emptied out. Inside an 1884 warehouse on Braće Krsmanović, KC GRAD stages approximately 200 music events a year, filling Savamala's nights with independent artists from Serbia, the region, and the world.
What is the coolest neighborhood in Belgrade?
Savamala is widely considered the coolest neighborhood in Belgrade. Savamala is where Belgrade's creative energy landed after the warehouses emptied out. Old riverside buildings on Karađorđeva became bars, galleries, and restaurants that don't open until the rest of the city is asleep. The Sava River runs alongside it all. Things get loud on weekends, and nobody apologizes for it.
Where should I stay in Savamala, Belgrade?
The best boutique hotels in Savamala include Jump Inn Hotel Belgrade, Nobel Design Belgrade, and Savamala Hotel. Jump Inn Hotel Belgrade is the one to book first. A 49-room boutique hotel on the Sava riverbank with recently refurbished rooms, a Serbian-focused restaurant, and bike rentals for exploring Karađorđeva at your own pace. Morning views over the river from this spot make the 4-star rate feel like a steal.
Is Savamala in Belgrade safe at night?
Savamala is safe day and night. Belgrade has low violent crime by European capital standards. The area sees foot traffic until late because of bars and clubs along the river, so streets stay populated. Watch for uneven pavement and tram tracks after dark. Pickpocketing is rare but possible in crowded nightlife spots near the waterfront.
Is Belgrade expensive?
Belgrade sits at a mid-priced level. A licensed airport taxi to Savamala runs 1,800 to 2,200 dinars on zone 2 pricing, tipping 10% covers a sit-down meal, and bakeries along the river serve burek for 2 to 3 euros. July and August are cheaper and quieter for hotels.
When is the best time to visit Belgrade?
May, June and September are the months to hit Belgrade, with temperatures between 18 and 26°C, the river cafes fully open, and outdoor festivals most weekends. Avoid July and August, when it climbs past 35°C and locals clear out of the city. Winter turns cold and grey, with the Košava wind cutting along the rivers from November through February.

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